Happy Vacation!

Hey guys, I hope you are enjoying your time off. I also hope you are reading and doing your homework packet! Today, I am going to stay home and get all of my homework done for my Monday night class. Remember: we are more than half way done with the school year! Time to get extra focused!

Be safe and I'll see everyone on Monday!

I know how much everyone liked the last multiplication song (haha) 

so here's another one to memorize...

Essay for Diorama

Remember, your diorama MUST be accompanied by an essay of AT LEAST 3 paragraphs!
Here are the directions from your homework sheet:
 Using your notes from class and any extra research from the Internet, create an 3 - 4 paragraph essay to accompany your diorama project. Here is a suggested outline: 1 paragraph about the Mayan’s way of life (features of Mayan cities, society and agriculture), 1- 2 paragraph(s) about their art, writing, architecture and religion, and a paragraph describing your diorama (what you showed and why). 


FAQS: (Frequently Asked Questions)

"But Ms. Velez, what if I want to write more than 3 paragraphs?"
-Sure! Show me what you know! But make sure everything you state in your essay is a FACT that can be checked in a reliable source. This is a NON FICTION ESSAY so everything you write must be TRUE!

"If I don't do address the topics in the instructions, Will you take points off?"
-YES! I am telling you exactly what I want in the essay. If you do not include that information, your grade will reflect that. On the flip side; you give me MORE, I give you MORE (higher grade).

"Can I email you my essay when I complete it?"
-YES! If you take the time to type it up nice and neatly but for some reason can't print it, email it to me: ms.velez@yahoo.com. Just tell me in class so I check that email. I will print it for you for FREE FREE FREE! (I want you to do well!)

-Any other questions, I will answer in class. Remember: do your best work! :c)

ELA notes from 2/14/11

Phonics

Aim: How do we identify the prefixes co-, con-, and com-?

The prefixes co-, con- and com- all mean with or together.

examples:

coexist: to live together 

cosign: to sign together

coworker: someone who works with you 

combine: to put together 

Finish these riddles:

to work together is to... cooperate

to admit defeat is to...concede

to write music is to...compose 

          concede      compose     cooperate

Reading

Aim: How do we identify cause and effect relationship when we read?

When we think about cause and effect you must use your skill of sequence of events know understand which event happened or caused the effect.

Language Arts

Aim: How do we use the correct articles in our sentences?

a, an, the 

These are called articles. 

A and an refers to ANY person, place or thing.

Ex: A bright red apple is sweet.

   An elephant is very large.

The refers to a specific noun.

ex: The water is hot today.

1. Take a look at this book. (a,an)
2. This page shows an engine from long ago.(a, an)
3. That building was a shoe factory many years ago.(a,an)
4. Today it is an aquarium with exhibits. (a,an)
5. There is the corner of Prospect and Tremont. (a, the)

Homework February 14, 2011-February 18, 2011

5th Grade Homework Sheet

Week of February 14, 2011-February 18, 2011

*ALL HOMEWORK SHOULD BE DONE IN THE HOMEWORK NOTEBOOK.*

Spelling Words:

1. concourse 2. compiles 3. compose 4. concert            5. cosign 6. concurrent 7. combine

8. cooperate 9. compare 10. encode 11. enforce     12. enjoy 13. embalm 14. enable

15. enrich 16. enslave  17. enclose   18. insight      19. import   20. inspect

Monday, February 14, 2011

I.    Reading: Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes then complete the worksheet attached “Test Yourself #1” questions 1-5

II.    Math:

Review Activity: Complete the worksheet “Guided Practice #1”

Current Activity: Complete study link 7.1 Exponents

III. Spelling: Write words 1-7 in cursive writing. Write the definition and a meaningful sentence for each of the

7 spelling words.

IV. Language Arts: Use the articles (a, an, the) to complete each sentence.

1. ____ trolley line ran through town until the 1930s. (a, the)
2. Did you know our town once presented ___ opera? (a, an)
3. Work on  ____ town’s courthouse must have begun in 1871. (an, the)
4. ____ town library has several books about local history. ( the, an)
5. There is ____ corner of Quarry Street and Granite Street. (the, an)

V.  Social Studies: Using your notes from class and any extra research from the Internet, create an 3 - 4 paragraph essay to accompany your diorama project. Here is a suggested outline: 1 paragraph about the Mayan’s way of life (features of Mayan cities, society and agriculture), 1- 2 paragraph(s) about their art, writing, architecture and religion, and a paragraph describing your diorama (what you showed and why). 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I.   Reading:Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes then complete the worksheet attached “Test Yourself #1” questions 6-10

II. Math:

Review Activity: Complete the worksheet “Practice #1” 

Review Activity: Althea and her brother collect baseball cards. Althea has 148 cards. Her brother has 127 cards. About how many cards do the have all together? Round your answer to the nearest hundred. 

III. Spelling: Write words 8-14 in cursive writing. Write the definition for each of the 7 spelling words, and 

then write a meaningful sentence with each word.

IV. Writing: Make a list of 3-4 special relationships you have (friends or family members). 

1.   Science: 

Why is it important to eat protein everyday?

What kinds of lifestyles would need more protein than others?

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

I.    Reading: Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes then complete the worksheet attached “Test Yourself #2” questions 1-5

II.    Math:

Review Activity: Complete the worksheet “Guided Practice #2”

Current Activity: Complete study links 7.2 Negative Powers of 10

III. Spelling: Write words 15-20 in cursive writing. Write the definition for each of the 6 spelling words, and then write a meaningful sentence with each.

IV. Writing: Choose one topic from Tuesday’s list and begin a draft about it. Why is this relationship special? How did you meet the person? What are some similarities and differences you share with that person? What are some activities you enjoy doing with the person? What makes this person special to you?

V. Social Studies: Go back to Tuesdays homework. Revise your essay. Be sure your essay is checked for spelling and grammatical errors and is neat and presentable. Publish your essay on loose-leaf or typed on a computer and hand it in to your teacher.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

I.    Reading:  Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes then complete the worksheet attached “Test Yourself #2” questions 6-9

II.    Math:

Review Activity: Complete the worksheet “Practice #2”

Current Activity: Complete study links 7.3 Interpreting Scientific Notation

III. Spelling: Use your spelling words to come up with a creative story. Underline the spelling words that you use. Make sure to add details in your writing along with interesting words and adjectives.

IV. Writing: Go back to your writing on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Revise your work.  Add interesting words, such as adjectives and adverbs, and verbs.  Make sure your work is organized. Add more details to your writing.

1.   Science:

What are two important things water does for your body?

What are the main uses for nutrients in your body?

Friday, February 18, 2011

I.    Reading:   Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes the complete “Test yourself #3”. Answer all questions that follow.

II.    Math:

Review Activity: Tim flipped a coin 10 times. It landed heads up 7 times and tails 3 times. Tim said, “I’ll flip it 4 more times to get the same number of heads and tails.” Is he right? Explain why or why not.

Review Activity: In the morning I need 30 minutes to shower and dress, 15 minutes to eat and another 15 minutes to ride my bike to school. School begins at 8:30. What is the latest time I can get up and still get to school on time?

III. Writing: Go back to your writing on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Check your writing for spelling and punctuation errors.  Remember to capitalize proper nouns and the beginning of sentences.  Rewrite your corrected draft in your homework notebook.

IV.   Current Events: Study the picture below. In six to eight (6-8) sentences describe what is happening in the picture.

8 times table rap...

Okay, okay... I know what you're probably thinking...

Although this doesn't rapper doesn't compare to Drake, knowing all of Drake's songs won't help you on the math test but this one will.

 Let's see who has this song memorized on Monday... maybe you'll get 2 bonus tickets... maybe.  :)

Unit 6 Math test Monday!

Here are some things you might want to review to prepare for the test!

Try this to practice for Monday....

How do we eat healthy food to fuel our bodies?

Aim: How do we eat healthy food to fuel our bodies?

Grains: Eat 5-6 ounces every day

Grains: Rice, bread, tortillas, pasta, and cereals.

Grains contain carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, minerals and vitamins

Fruits: Eat 1-1 1/2 cups each day

Fruits contain carbohydrates, sugar, fiber, vitamins and minerals 

Vegetables: Eat 2-2 1/2 cups each day

Vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals. 

Meat & Beans: Eat 5 ounces every day

These food contain protein, fats, vitamins and minerals

Milk Group: Eat/drink 3 cups each day

Dairy products contain carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals. Choose low-fat or fat free when possible.

Oils: Eat no more than 5 teaspoons each day.

To eat more healthy you should...

-choose foods that are low in fats and sugar

-make sure each meal includes vegetables

-drink water or milk with your meal

More about food groups...

Ancient Mayan Project

Next week we will begin working on our dioramas about the Ancient Mayans. Here are some websites to give you more information for your essay (more details about that in next week's homework sheet) and ideas for your dioramas:

http://www.mayankids.com/

http://www.mayankids.com/mkintro.htm

http://www.mayankids.com/mmkpeople/index.html

http://mayas.mrdonn.org/dailylife.html

http://mayas.mrdonn.org/

This is a video of a child's book report. I think it is interesting to watch/read.

These are some examples of dioramas, in case you have never seen one. REMEMBER: we are making one about the Ancient Mayans NOT Super Mario!

Social Studies notes 2/9/11

Why did Spain claim territory in the Americas?

Spanish explorers set off to claim land and treasure from the Incas and Aztecs. Hernan Cortes arrived in Mexico in 1519 with 600 Spanish soldiers. Cortes and his army put emperor Moctezuma in prison and started a war with the Aztecs. The Spanish had advantages like guns, swords, horses and steel armor. The Aztecs had no steel weapons or guns and had never seen horses. Cortez claimed the Aztec empire for Spain. Francisco Pizarro led 180 soldiers in South America to search for Inca gold. Pizarro tried to convert Atahualpa to Christianity and when he refused, Pizarro attacked the Inca. He killed Atahualpa and claimed the Inca’s land for Spain

Helpful links to learn more:

More about Hernan Cortes

More about Francisco Pizarro

More about the Incas

More about the Aztecs

Homework Week of February 7, 2011-February 11, 2011

5th Grade Homework Sheet

Week of February 7, 2011-February 11, 2011

*ALL HOMEWORK SHOULD BE DONE IN THE HOMEWORK NOTEBOOK.*

Spelling Words:

1. illegal 2. impolite 3. impatient 4. irresponsible     5. illiterate 6. insincere 7. incorrect

8. insensitive 9. immature 10. inactive 11. impractical     12. impure 13. irrelevant 14. immortal

15. inaccurate 16. conquistador  17. indigenous people   18. nutrients  19. enzymes   20. carbohydrates

Monday, February 7, 2011

I.    Reading:   Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes and answer the following question in your notebook about the book you read: What have you learned about one of the characters?

II.    Math:

Review Activity: Mel and Anthony take a survey about students’ favorite video games. They use a sample size of 10. Do you think that 10 students are enough for a good survey? Explain why or why not.

Current Activity: Study Links 6.9 –Adding and Subtracting Fractions

III. Spelling: Write words 1-7 in cursive writing. Write the definition and a meaningful sentence for each of the

7 spelling words.

IV. Language Arts: Use the demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those) to complete each sentence.

1. ________ chapter book is the book that my teacher is reading in Readers Workshop.

2. I wish _______I could eat one of ___________ cookies right now!

3. Is _______ paper stuck in the pile of papers on your desk?

4. I think _________  old battery is dead.

5. Use __________ blue pen to sign your name.

V.  Social Studies: Chapter 8 Lesson Homework-pg. 48

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

I.   Reading:   Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes and answer the following question in your notebook about the book you read: Do you enjoy the book so far?  Why or why not? If not, will you finish it? Why or why not?

II. Math:

Review Activity: Write each decimal as a fraction and a percent.

1. 0.7 2. 0.3 3. 1.5

Review Activity:  Complete the worksheet-Adding like fractions-Math Steps. Pg. 121

III. Spelling: Write words 8-14 in cursive writing. Write the definition for each of the 7 spelling words, and 

then write a meaningful sentence with each word.

IV. Writing: Make a list of difficult problems you may have faced at home or in school. 

V.   Science: How does your body use food as fuel?

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

I.    Reading:   Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes and answer the following question in your notebook about the book you read: Thinking of the problem in the story, how would you solve the character’s problem?

II.    Math:

Review Activity: Add or subtract the fractions.

1. 1/4  + 2/4 2. 5/10- 3/10 3. 1/2+1/2 

Current Activity: Study Links 6.10-Fractions

III. Spelling: Write words 15-20 in cursive writing. Write the definition for each of the 6 spelling words, and then write a meaningful sentence with each.

IV. Writing: Choose one topic from Tuesday’s list and begin a draft about it. What type of problem did you face? Who did it involve? Was the problem resolved and if so, how did you resolve it?

V. Social Studies: Chapter 8, Lesson 1-Exploration and Conquest pg. 49-Before and After you read

Thursday, February 10, 2011

I.    Reading:   Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes and answer the following question in your notebook about the book you read: If you were to tell a friend about what is happening in your book so far, what would you say?

II.    Math:

Review Activity: Write the greatest common factor (GFC) of 12, 18, and 24.

Review Activity: Practice Set 40 pg. 41 -Review

III. Spelling: Use your spelling words to come up with a creative story. Underline the spelling words that you use. Make sure to add details in your writing along with interesting words and adjectives.

IV. Writing: Go back to your writing on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Revise your work.  Add interesting words, such as adjectives and adverbs, and verbs.  Make sure your work is organized. Add more details to your writing such as how you felt when you were going through your problem.

V.    Science: How does your body use carbohydrates and fats?

Friday, January 21, 2011

I.    Reading:   Read your independent reading book for 35 minutes and answer the following question in your    notebook about the book you read: What would you change about the book you are reading? Why?

II.    Math:

Review Activity: Angel had to plant some roses in his mothers’ garden. He had 48 seeds to plant in rows of 12. How many seeds will be in each row?

Review Activity: Practice Set 41 pg. 64-Review

III. Writing: Go back to your writing on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Check your writing for spelling and punctuation errors.  Remember to capitalize proper nouns and the beginning of sentences.  Rewrite your corrected draft in your homework notebook.

IV.   Current Events: Study the picture below. In six to eight (6-8) sentences describe what is happening in the picture.

Our Class Blog

This blog will be where I post notes from class, reminders, or anything else I think I should share with you via the Internet. I will be posting helpful things to supplement what we do in class. I hope this will help some of you :)